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Council advances first reading of chicken ordinance after split vote; rule applies only to lots of 1 acre or more
Summary
The council held a lengthy discussion and advanced the proposed ordinance that would allow chickens and ducks on lots of at least one acre with specific setback and screening rules; first reading passed 3-2 and will return for second reading.
The Town Council held an extended discussion on a proposed ordinance to permit backyard chickens and ducks on properties larger than one acre.
Under the draft ordinance presented at first reading, coops and runs must remain sanitary; roosters would be prohibited; coop and run locations must be at least 60 feet from neighboring living structures unless screened by a privacy fence or natural screening of at least 6 feet, in which case the setback may be 40 feet. Properties smaller than one acre would need to seek a variance. The ordinance explicitly exempts properties governed by homeowners associations (HOAs) if the HOA rules prohibit chickens; the town does not enforce HOA covenants.
Council discussion included a review of a 2023 town study and questions about enforcement. One council member said the issue is akin to allowing farm animals in town limits and opposed the measure. Planning staff and town staff said permits and inspections would be required; planning would review coop locations on permit plats and code enforcement would inspect for ongoing compliance.
After discussion the council voted 3-2 to move the ordinance forward from first reading; the item will return for a subsequent meeting for the second reading and final vote.
